Radioactive Material Emergency Procedures
911 - Ambulance or Fire
Contact Environmental Health and Safety, 208-885-6524, in all situations.
In an accident or incident involving radioactive materials, the primary safety concern is to prevent inhaling, ingesting or physically contacting radioactive materials. Careful planning, following proper safety procedures, using protective devices and using personal protective equipment should help minimize or eliminate the hazards in a radiation accident or incident. Please be aware that the chemical form of a radioactive material will determine its volatility, flammability, ability to be absorbed through the skin, and other chemical and physical properties.
A radiation accident or incident can also be part of another hazard, such as a medical emergency, fire or chemical hazard. The radiation hazard should be given the lowest priority in these situations. However, emergency response personnel should be informed if radioactive materials are involved so that the proper precautions can be taken.
Medical
Call 911 if it is a major or life threatening injury. Minor injuries can be treated at the Student Health Center or Gritman Medical Center during the day, and Gritman Medical Center after hours. Transport by ambulance should be arranged if the victim is unable to respond. The injured or exposed person should never be allowed to leave the workplace unescorted if ambulance transport is refused.
If radioactive contamination is involved - Remove as much radioactive contamination as possible before seeking medical attention. Be sure medical or other response personnel are aware of any contamination on you or in the area. Any person that has been chemically or radioactively contaminated should seek medical treatment at Gritman Medical Center through the west side ambulance entrance, not the front door. Gritman has requested advance notice via telephone before a contaminated person is brought to Gritman.
Fire
Call 911. Small fires may be extinguished by laboratory personnel if the situation allows. If there is any doubt, do not attempt to fight the fire.
If radioactive materials are involved or if contamination is present in the area, do not attempt to fight the fire. The fire may cause radioactive material to become airborne and, without proper respiratory protection, the possibility of inhaling or ingesting radioactive materials exists. Make sure response personnel are aware of this situation.
Chemical Hazards
Contact Environmental Health and Safety - 208-885-6524.
If radioactive materials are present - Inform response personnel of the situation and what radioactive materials are involved.
Radioactive Contamination
The contamination should be rinsed off or removed as quickly as possible. To minimize the spread of contamination, do not move from the area, assuming no other hazard(s) exists. Enlist the aid of another person if possible to assist you or to contact the appropriate response personnel. To minimize the spread of contamination, do not leave the building. Do not stay in the room containing the spill. Go to another room or part of the building and use the telephone to call for help.
Related Training
- Radiation Safety Orientation
- Radiation Safety Course - 5 hour
- Radiation Safety X-Ray Seminar
- Radioactive Materials Transportation
For more information
Samir Shahat, Ph.D.
Executive Director; RSO;
University Safety Officer
208-885-7208
samir@uidaho.edu
Vacant
Radiation Safety Specialist
208-885-6890
safety@uidaho.edu